Walden University

The Relationship between Coping Strategies and

Burnout for Caregivers of Adjudicated YouthDebra Marie DixWalden University

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This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has beenaccepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, pleasecontact ScholarWorks@waldenu.edu. Walden University

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by

Deb Dix

has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects,

and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made.

My name is Deb Dix and I am a doctoral student in the Psychology program at WaldenUniversity specializing in Health Psychology. I am a Licensed Professional Counseloremployed at Maurice Spear Campus, a residential treatment facility for adjudicated youthin Adrian, MI. For my dissertation I am conducting a study on: Coping Strategies thatImpact Burnout for Caregivers of Adjudicated Youth. The faculty advisorsupervising my research is Dr. Benita Stiles-Smith and she can be reached viabenita.stiles-smith@waldenu.edu anytime. I am hoping to obtain information from youthcare specialists of adjudicated youth in detention centers and residential treatment centerswithin the state of Michigan on current feelings of burnout and the coping strategies thatare being utilized.

My request of you as the director of your agency is to identify the number of potentialparticipants at your facility that may qualify for my study. I am only seeking full-timeprimary caregivers or youth care specialists that serve directly with the youth for theduration of their first, second, or third shift. Upon your provision of the number ofemployees that fit that description, I will compile the appropriate number of packets anddeliver them. I would ask that you distribute my research invitations complete with mysurvey research materials to all of the primary caregivers at your facility on my behalf byplacing the packets in mailboxes or mailroom areas designated for primary caregivers.My intent is to conduct anonymous research to protect all who may choose to participate.

The survey is completely voluntary and all of the information collected will beanonymous. Most importantly, the study will contribute to understanding how theseindividuals cope with the demands of their job and may indicate interventions that maybe helpful to sustain their productivity. To facilitate the process, I would also ask for yourpermission to leave an unmarked locked box (identified by my name) in the mailroomarea to collect the surveys. Participants will be directed to place their completed surveysin the unmarked locked box provided on site in the mailroom.

I will be in contact with you soon to secure the number of potential participants that areemployed at your facility that may qualify for my study. Please contact me viadeb.dix@waldenu.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you so much for your time and your assistance with my research.

Sincerely,

Deb Dix, MA, LPC, NCC, CTP

PhD Candidate-Walden University 157 Appendix B: Letter of Cooperation

Community Research Partner Name

Contact Information

Deb Dix, MA, LPC, NCC, CTP, (PhD Candidate)

Walden Universitydeb.dix@waldenu.edu

Date

Dear Deb,

Based on my review of your research proposal, I give permission for you to conduct thestudy entitled Coping Strategies that Impact Burnout for Caregivers of AdjudicatedYouth at our detention center/residential treatment facility. As part of this research, Iauthorize you to deliver the survey packets to me and I will distribute them as requestedby placing them in the mailroom area designated for youth care specialists. You mayleave a locked box on site to collect the surveys that you will be retrieving after twoweeks. Individuals’ participation will be voluntary and at their own discretion.

I understand that as the director of the facility my responsibilities include: identifying thenumber of potential participants at our facility who may qualify for your study,distributing the packets on your behalf, and allowing you to have an unmarked lockedbox identified by your name on site to facilitate return of the surveys. I understand thatthe data collected will remain entirely confidential and may not be provided to anyoneoutside of your supervising faculty without permission from the Walden University IRB.

7. What is your highest level of education?

8. What shift do you currently work?

Thank you for completing this questionnaire. Please proceed to the next survey. 160 Appendix D: Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey

Please indicate the frequency according to the scale provided below:

0 = Never1 = A few times a year or less2 = Once a month or less3 = A few times a month4 = Once a week5 = A few times a week6 = Every day

Rate frequency from 0 to 6 Statements (three sample items)

1._________________ I feel emotionally drained from my work.

2._________________ I feel used up at the end of the workday.

3._________________ I feel fatigued when I get up in the morning and have to

face another day on the job. 161 Appendix E: Maslach Burnout Inventory Permission/Approval

For use by Deb Dix only. Received from Mind Garden, Inc. on March 14, 2016

www.mindgarden.com

To whom it may concern,

This letter is to grant permission for the above named person to use the followingcopyright material for his/her thesis or dissertation research:Instrument: Maslach Burnout Inventory, Forms: General Survey, HumanServices Survey & Educators Survey

Three sample items from a single form of this instrument may be reproduced forinclusion in a proposal, thesis, or dissertation.The entire instrument may not be included or reproduced at any time in anypublished material.

Sincerely,Robert MostMind Garden, Inc.www.mindgarden.com 162

Note Re: MGWeb: Comment from Deb Dix (Other)

Inbox x

Feb 21Mind Garden <info@mindgarden.com>

to me

Hi Deb,

Thank you for contacting Mind Garden.

When you purchase the MBI licenses in pdf format for reproduction/administration as apaper/pen survey, your pdf license packet will include a signed letter of permission citingyour name, date and quantity of license purchase, copyright and MBI item usageguidelines for your published work, etc. You can find the MBI licenses for purchasehere.Let us know if you have any questions.Best,KatherineMind Garden, Inc.

On Sat, Feb 21, 2015 at 8:31 AM, <deb.dix@waldenu.edu> wrote:

Name: Deb Dix

Email address: deb.dix@waldenu.edu

Phone number: 517-264-1305

Company/Institution: Walden University

Country: USA

Order/Invoice number:

Purchase Order number

163Topic of comment: OtherComment:

Good Day,

My name is Deb Dix and I am a doctoral student at Walden University. I am currently

working on my dissertation examining the impact of coping strategies on burnout forprimary caregivers of adjudicated youth in detention centers and residential treatmentcenters. In accord with the International Review Board of Walden University, I amrequesting permission to utilize the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Surveyfor my quantitative research study. I will be conducting a paper survey and will bepurchasing a license along with copies of the instrument. Thank you for your help withthis matter. 164 Appendix F: Brief COPE Inventory

Please circle the most fitting response for each statement provided.

1. I’ve been turning to work or other activities to take my mind off things. 1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

2. I’ve been concentrating my efforts on doing something about the situation I’m in. 1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

3. I’ve been saying to myself “this isn’t real.”

1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

4. I’ve been using alcohol or other drugs to make myself feel better. 1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

5. I’ve been getting emotional support from others.

1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

6. I’ve been giving up trying to deal with it.

1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot 1657. I’ve been taking action to try to make the situation better. 1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

8. I’ve been refusing to believe that it has happened.

1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

9. I’ve been saying things to let my unpleasant feelings escape.

1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

10. I’ve been getting help and advice from other people. 1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

11. I’ve been using alcohol or other drugs to help me get through it. 1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

12. I’ve been trying to see it in a different light, to make it seem more positive. 1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

13. I’ve been criticizing myself.

1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot 16614. I’ve been trying to come up with a strategy about what to do. 1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

15. I’ve been getting comfort and understanding from someone.

1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

16. I’ve been giving up the attempt to cope.

1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

17. I’ve been looking for something good in what is happening.

1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

18. I’ve been making jokes about it.

1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

19. I’ve been doing something to think about it less, such as going to movies, watching TV, reading, daydreaming, sleeping, or shopping. 1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

20. I’ve been accepting the reality of the fact that it has happened. 1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

21. I’ve been expressing my negative feelings.

167 1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

22. I’ve been trying to find comfort in my religion or spiritual beliefs.

1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

23. I’ve been trying to get advice or help from other people about what to do. 1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

24. I’ve been learning to live with it.

1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

25. I’ve been thinking hard about what steps to take.

1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

26. I’ve been blaming myself for things that happened.

1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

27. I’ve been praying or meditating.

1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot 16828. I’ve been making fun of the situation. 1. I haven’t been doing this at all 2. I’ve been doing this a little bit 3. I’ve been doing this a medium amount 4. I’ve been doing this a lot

Thank you for completing this survey. Please proceed to the final survey. 169

Permission to use Brief COPE Inventory

Inbox x

Feb 21Deb Dix <deb.dix@waldenu.edu>

to ccarver

Hello Dr. Carver,

My name is Deb Dix. I am a doctoral student at Walden University. I am currently

working on my dissertation examining the impact of coping strategies on burnout forprimary caregivers of adjudicated youth in detention centers and residential treatmentfacilities. Thank you for allowing free and direct access to the Brief COPE Inventoryonline. However, the International Review Board at Walden requests authorization toutilize the Brief Cope Inventory for my quantitative research study.

I can be contacted at deb.dix@waldenu.edu if you have any comments or questions. I

truly appreciate your help in this matter. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,Deb DixDoctoral StudentWalden Universitydeb.dix@waldenu.edu

Feb 21Charles S. Carver

to me

I apologize for this automated reply. All measures I have developed are available forresearch and teaching applications without charge and without need to requestpermission; we ask only that you cite their source in any report that results. This alsomeans please do not ask me to send you a letter authorizing the use of a scale, becausethis message is all I am going to send.

Information concerning the measure you are asking about can be found at the websitebelow. I think most of your questions will be answered there. If I know for sure that 171there is a translation of a scale published in a language other than English thatinformation can be found there. If no information is there about the language of yourinterest, that means I do not know of a published translation. You are free to do yourown.

If questions remain, do not hesitate to contact me. Good luck in your work.

Thank you for participating in this survey. Please place your completed survey in theunmarked locked box (identified by my name) on site to facilitate retrieval. If you haveany comments or questions about any stress you may have experienced as a youth carespecialist for adjudicated youth during the process of this survey, please enter yourcomments below. 175 Appendix I: Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Permission/Approval

Permission to use the CANS-MH tool

Inbox x

Feb 21Deb Dix <deb.dix@waldenu.edu>

to praed foundation

Good Day,

My name is Deb Dix and I am a doctoral student at Walden University. I am currently

working on my dissertation examining the impact of coping strategies on burnout forprimary caregivers of adjudicated youth in detention centers and residential treatmentfacilities and whether the perceived psychopathology of the youth mediates that impact.In accord with the International Review Board at Walden, I am requesting authorizationto utilize the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths-Mental Health version for myquantitative research study.

I understand the assessment tool is free to use and available online and I am requestingpermission to access the instrument, particularly the problem presentation dimension. Ican be contacted at deb.dix@waldenu.edu if you have any comments or questions. Thankyou for your help with this matter.